How a Root Canal Treatment Can Help with an Abscessed Tooth

Root canal treatment is often the best (or only) way to deal with an abscessed tooth that results from a tooth infection. This review discusses the role root canal treatment plays in treating an abscessed tooth and what you can expect throughout the diagnostic and treatment processes.

An overview of root canal treatment for an abscessed tooth

An abscessed tooth can affect one’s ability to function daily. The good news is that a root canal treatment can often save the tooth and alleviate the discomforting symptoms.

What is an abscessed tooth?

An abscessed tooth is a pocket of pus that forms in the root of a tooth as a result of a bacterial infection. There are many reasons why a tooth infection and subsequent abscessed tooth may develop. Some of the more common causes are:

  • Chips and cracks
  • Dental trauma
  • Cavities
  • Gum recession

Any incident that exposes the tooth’s root could lead to an abscessed tooth. Treatment for an abscessed tooth involves killing the bacteria inside of the tooth and draining the dental abscess.

What are the symptoms of an abscessed tooth?

The symptoms can vary based upon the severity of the dental abscess. There may also be symptoms related to the infection or tooth damage that caused the abscess to form. The most notable symptoms of a dental abscess are:

  • Tooth pain
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Swollen gums
  • Jaw pain
  • Bad breath
  • Fever

A dental abscess results from an infection. The bacteria that cause it can put off a foul-smelling odor as well as affect the person’s general health, causing bad breath and fever. Pain, swelling, and sensitivity of the teeth, gums, and jaw are common as well.

When is root canal treatment necessary?

An abscessed tooth will not go away on its own. In addition, antibiotics are not usually enough to treat dental abscesses. Consequently, in most cases, root canal treatment is the best way to deal with a dental abscess. If left untreated, then the patient risks prolonged discomfort, the risk of the infection spreading, and potential loss of the tooth.

What can I expect during root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment for an abscessed tooth involves accessing the root of the tooth, draining the abscess, disinfecting the tooth’s root with antibiotics, and filling the tooth. The tooth is then sealed, and the last step is to place a dental crown over it for added protection. The procedure is typically short and safe with minimal risks. However, the patient does need to plan for a recovery period that can take several days. Complications after a root canal treatment are rare, but it is important to keep the mouth as clean as possible during recovery.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal Treatment in San Antonio, TX

Are you suffering from an abscessed tooth?

Call our dental team today or send us a message to schedule a consultation to determine if the cause of your symptoms is an abscessed tooth or another underlying concern and what the best treatment approach is to alleviate the symptoms and save the tooth.

Request an appointment or call All Smiles Dental Center at 210-714-7429 for an appointment in our San Antonio office.

Recent Posts

Can Root Canal Treatment Really Save A Tooth?

Root canal treatment is often the last course of action to save teeth that have been severely damaged or infected. A tooth might become damaged due to trauma to the face or tooth decay destroying its structures.The procedure has a bad reputation as one of the most painful treatments performed by dentists, but patients usually…

A Step-by-step Guide To A Root Canal Treatment

Decaying teeth do not ever stop decaying without treatment. A root canal treatment becomes necessary to save the tooth, especially as an infected tooth can lead to significant pain. Treatment is painless. The only discomfort you will feel is at the end after the dentist finishes the treatment.From local anesthesia to dental dams, it is…

Common Causes For Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure performed to save a damaged, decayed, or infected tooth from becoming lost or causing more concerning symptoms. It is important to understand the causes and warning signs that indicate a possible need for a root canal.The most notable and common causes for root canal treatment are an…

All Smiles Dental Center

Share
Published by
All Smiles Dental Center

Recent Posts

Tips for Receding Gums Treatment Aftercare

The primary way receding gums are treated is through a gum graft. This procedure involves…

1 day ago

3 Signs A Patient May Benefit from Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a versatile and effective solution for enhancing the appearance of a smile…

2 days ago

When Is a Gum Lift Recommended to Treat Receding Gums?

Receding gums can affect your confidence and leave you feeling self-conscious, even when you have…

3 days ago

Why Clear Aligners Are the Invisible Solution to Straight Teeth

Clear aligners give people a simple way to fix their teeth without drawing attention. They…

7 days ago

Dental Hygiene Habits to Help Prevent Receding Gums

One essential step a person can take to prevent receding gums is to maintain excellent…

1 week ago

Questions to Ask Your Dentist About Receding Gums

Receding gums leads to gum tissues pulling back from teeth roots, making your teeth appear…

1 week ago